Wis. Assembly approves anti-abortion bill

MADISON, Wis. — The state Assembly has approved a Republican bill that would require women seeking an abortion to get an ultrasound of the fetus.

The measure would require the ultrasound and the technician to point out the fetus' features and organs. The bill also would prohibit doctors from performing abortions unless he or she has admitting privileges in a hospital within 30 miles.

Critics contend Republicans are treating women as if they can't make choices for themselves and are trying to shut down an Appleton abortion clinic because doctors there can't meet the 30-mile requirement.

Republicans who control the Assembly passed the bill regardless on a 56-39 vote. The state Senate passed the measure on Wednesday. It now goes to Gov. Scott Walker for his signature.